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Parks in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta
Photo: Alexis Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kananaskis Country is a network of wilderness parks in the Alberta Rockies region on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. This is a large region but its northern boundary is only about half an hour's drive west of Alberta's largest city, Calgary, along the Trans-Canada Highway (#1). Commonly just called "Kananaskis" or "K-Country", this is the less-crowded cheaper alternative to nearby Banff National Park, but provides fewer services.
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Information displays, rangers with advice and indoor washrooms. Free wifi.
Leaflet from the centre on a number of short easy walks around the area. Drive to a number of parking spots around the campsite where you can then walk trails. In June lots of opportunities to see alpine meadow and wet land plants including orchids.
Rock scree on the side of the road with a very good chance of seeing Pika.
At 2,206 m it is the highest paved pass in Canada. From the Highwood Meadows Day Use Area car park just south of the pass high point is a small paved and board-walk providing a good opportunity to see alpine flowers as well as ground squirrels and the mountain scenery.
Great views of the area and good starting point for hikes.
Short walk from car park to viewpoint of river ravine.
Site of the ski events at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary.
K-Pow
Trail riding
Some of Canada's best mountain bikers train at the Canmore Nordic Centre. With over 70 km of trails, there's something for everyone. Kananaskis is chock full of mountain biking trails, if you're considering coming here to ride, then a copy of Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies by Doug Eastcott, (ISBN: 0-921102-69-0) is essential. There are trails for every skill level just waiting to be ridden. Being that this is a sub-alpine region, trails usually don't dry out from the Winter until mid to late May. Consult with the locals before attempting any trails around or before this date.
Kananaskis contains many streams, rivers, and several lakes, for the fishing enthusiast.
Accompanied rafting tripped down the Kananaskis river are organized by a number of companies from Canmore.
Home to one of the best (and busiest) golf courses in North America. 36 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, surrounded by mountains. A good value price wise also considering the quality of the course. Reserving in advance is highly recommended. Weather can be tricky in the early season, be prepared. The course has received many great reviews. Because the course is so busy, the operators are quite strict about slow play, and will use their authority to speed things up a bit if it gets out of hand. You are expected to play your round in 4½ hours. If you remember to timestamp your scorecard and keep the pace, they give you a gift at the pro shop after the round.
There are six restaurants, dining rooms, cafeterias, bistros and bars within the complex.
Offers evening dining (usually between June 15 and Oct 15 and Dec 15 to Easter).
Has quick microwave meals.
Only fully serviced in the area, and reservations are required.
It is small, 9 rooms that have been renovated, and overnight accommodation includes all meals.
previously known as Ribbon Creek Hostel
For a cheaper option.
The Smith-Dorrien Trail past Spray Lake is a driving experience not to be missed: a wide stone gravel road from Highway 40 with a steep drop into Canmore.
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ItinerariesThe Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 between Lake Louise and Jasper, is the primary north-south route through the Alberta Rockies in Canada, and one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world.
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Nature & adventureMany books have been written about hiking in the Canadian Rockies, particularly in Alberta and eastern British Columbia (the "Rocky Mountains" don't actually extend that far).
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Nature & adventureThe National Parks of Canada, and some of the National Historic Sites of Canada, are managed by Parks Canada, an agency of the Government of Canada.
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